Prime Minister Tarique Rahman -File photo

DHAKA, May 12, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said individuals with autism have the right to live with full dignity like every other citizen.

“There is no alternative to bringing individuals with autism into the mainstream of society through proper care and support in order to build a humane and inclusive society and ensure sustainable development,” he said in a message on the occasion of “World Autism Awareness Day 2026”.

Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Alongside other forms of disabilities, a large number of children and individuals in Bangladesh suffer from autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.

In this context, this year’s theme of the day— “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value”—is very timely, he noted.

The premier said his government began its journey with a commitment to building a discrimination-free, knowledge-based, accountable, people-centered, humane and prosperous Bangladesh. 

The government is committed to building a dignified, supportive and prosperous society through the establishment of specialized healthcare units for persons with special needs, providing scholarships and necessary educational materials for students with disabilities, and ensuring effective implementation of disability-related laws.

“We want to build a Bangladesh where every person will have the opportunity to overcome their limitations and fulfill their dreams,” he said.

Appropriate steps will be taken to improve the quality of life of people with special needs to ensure economic self-reliance, social capacity, and human dignity, he added. 
“We have already taken special initiatives for individuals with autism who are interested in sports. The government is also taking effective measures so that more people can participate in the Paralympics,” he said.

He hoped it is possible to build such a Bangladesh where all people, despite differences in characteristics and identity, can live with equal opportunity, respect, and dignity through collective efforts, sincere goodwill, and humanitarian responsibility. 

The premier said like other countries of the world, the day is being observed with due importance in Bangladesh as well. 

He welcomed the initiative of the Social Welfare Ministry in observing the 19th World Autism Awareness Day 2026. 

He extended sincere greetings to all children and individuals with autism spectrum conditions in Bangladesh and around the world, their family members, doctors, therapists, assistive device innovators, as well as all individuals and public and private organizations working on autism.